I have to admit I am wilting in the heat of the weather and the stress of life. I pull no punches, pretending I live in La La Land. I have a pot of tumeric tea brewing, the fan oscillating in my writing space and counting my blessings. I’m grateful for seeing my mother this morning. She is feeling well and independent in her own home. She made soup for me. She also shared with me her gifted sticky rice. I am happy that she has such friends. They know she has limitations and is looking out for her. I have tears of happiness for her bounty of caring friends.
I wish the same for myself. I have alot to learn yet. I have not seen enough of the world or life. One thing I know for sure is, I can’t fight the heat. I can only limp along with however much strength it allows me. And it was tough last night. Sheba and I limped along well after the supper hour. It was very slow going in the heat and humidity of the evening. But we DID make it to the Dairy Queen. My furbaby behaved like a proper queen, behaving, not barking up a storm or jumping. We shared a hot fudge sundae, taking care she gets none of the chocolate. Next time I have to ask for an extra spoon for her. It was kind of messy using my finger.
What else can I say on another hot day in July? Life is not perfect. It is not a bowl of cherries. I have a fan. I have AC. I have Sheba. I have myself. My garden is doing fantastic. There’s a bird nesting in the grapevines. It’s still there. I’ve just scared it out of its nest with my curiosity. I still have all those bills yet to be paid. But I have a few days of grace yet. Oh yes. I like to attend Mass this afternoon. I hope I’m brave enough. It’s been a long while and it’s difficult to return. I feel like the prodigal daughter.
To help me along, I could get dressed and be ready. If I make it or not, I have set out the intention. What I have learned is that there is no forcing. You can’t force yourself or anyone else in doing what is not felt right. I will just have to limp along towards the promised land. That is also progress.
onethousandandtwo 
I’m sorry, I think I might have missed one of your blog posts — why are you limping? Injury?
As far as forcing yourself to do something – well, I’ve had to do that more often than I can count on my fingers and toes. And in the end, I’m always glad that I did. You can’t force others, but you do have control over yourself. Just my opinion.
No, I’m not injured, just limping in the heat of the summer. I write most days, challenge or not. It’s therapy and talking it out for me. 🙂 I have some tough issues on my plate now. I hope to lighten up SOON. Life is good.
Glad to hear you’re not injured. Sorry to hear about how full your plate is right now. I’ve had some pretty full plates in my life. Some of those plates could have destroyed me if I had let them. My survival instincts got me through each and every time. Good Luck.
Thank you!
Heat can be really tough to endure, especially as you grow older. So it was good that you checked on your mother. Our heat wave in New York State just broke, but I was so thankful for my air conditioned office. I’m hoping it is better for you now. I’ve learned, yes, that you can not force – you can “power through” but there is a toll, and you will pay a price.
Thanks, Alana. It is better. Good to see you again.
Lily
No forcing .Lumping towards promised land sounds Apt.Keep trying.That’s my motto
Thank you, Amrita!
Lily